European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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(i) To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and analyse the potential contributing factors of HRQOL in elderly cancer patients in China; and (ii) to evaluate the possible correlation between the Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). ⋯ The findings of this study highlight role functioning, financial impact, fatigue, anxiety, and depression as areas where elderly cancer patients could most benefit from intervention. These findings also call attention to HRQOL and its related factors in elderly cancer patients. Interventions to be developed for improving HRQOL in cancer patients are highly recommended.
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This study of relatives to patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy describes how the relatives experienced the patient's situation, especially with respect to pain, and how the relatives themselves experienced the situation. ⋯ In patients physical, psychological, and social pain were prominent and in relatives psychological distress, lack of knowledge and support were experienced. Thus, to reduce pain and anxiety in patients and relatives, the health care professionals should provide relevant knowledge about pain management. The health care professionals should also provide educational interventions that address the psychological and social factors that impact pain for HNC patients and their relatives. Well-thought supporting care and easily accessible information about practical concerns should be offered to HNC patients and their relatives.
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Multicenter Study
Identification of patient subgroups and risk factors for persistent arm/shoulder pain following breast cancer surgery.
In this prospective, longitudinal study, we extend our findings on persistent breast pain in patients (n = 398) following breast cancer surgery and evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of persistent pain in the arm/shoulder. In addition, differences in the severity of common symptoms and quality of life outcomes measured prior to surgery, among the arm pain classes, were evaluated. ⋯ Findings suggest that approximately 35% of women experience persistent levels of moderate arm/shoulder pain in the first six months following breast cancer surgery. Moderate arm/shoulder pain is associated with clinically meaningful decrements in functional status and quality of life.
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This study aims to examine the supportive care needs of Chinese breast cancer survivors, and investigate the relationships with participant characteristics and quality of life. ⋯ Breast cancer survivors perceive various unmet needs, and health system information is the most common one. Those who have more unmet needs in the physical and psychological domains were more likely to perceive a poorer quality of life.
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Morphine is widely used for pain management in cancer patients. Use of heroin, a morphine derivative, is a risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ⋯ Morphine treatment is associated with a modest increase in risk of ACS in patients with malignancy, but this association displays low significance in specific cancer types.